5 Traps Artists Fall Into Before They Sign (And How to Dodge Every One)

🎤 So You’re Buzzing… Now the Label’s Calling.

Before you sign that contract, understand this — not every offer is a blessing.

As an artist who’s been in the trenches and watched others get swindled, I put together this quick breakdown of 5 traps that ruin careers before they even start.

Here’s what you NEED to look out for:

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🔥 1. The Recoupment Setup

You think you’re getting a bag. Truth is, that “advance” is a loan, and the label collects every penny back before you touch a dime.

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🔥 2. Cross-Collateralization

One flop? Now every album you make is paying for that L. Labels tie all your projects together so you never fully recoup.

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🔥 3. Master Ownership Forever

That classic you dropped? You might not own it — not now, not ever. Some deals have perpetual ownership baked in.

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🔥 4. The ‘Development Deal’ Disguise

They say they’ll build you up, but really you’re shelved and silenced. Labels use this to lock you down — and stall your momentum.

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🔥 5. The Sneaky Split Sheet Clause

You wrote the song, performed it, promoted it — but somehow you’re only getting 15%? That’s what happens without proper splits.

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🧠 Want the full breakdown, including real examples, hidden clauses, and what you MUST control as an artist?

🎁 I wrote a whole free eBook called:

Before You Sign: The Real Deal by Sos

📘 Tap below to get early access before it drops:

👉 Presave the Free eBook

This ain’t theory — this is survival.

Stay sharp,
– KingPaySos

Related Reads:

Don’t Sign That

Before You Sign: Royalty Checklist

The Illusion of Ownership